Photo: Tomwsulcer, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The New Jersey MVC knowledge test has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you need 40 correct (80%) to pass. This free practice test has 40 original questions built from the 2026 New Jersey Driver Manual, weighted toward the New Jersey numbers that catch people out: 25 feet for school buses, 0.01% for under-21s, 11:01 p.m. curfews and GDL decals. The questions are unofficial and are not the MVC’s own.
New Jersey knowledge test: key facts
| Item | Detail (2026 manual, as of November 2026) |
|---|---|
| Questions | 50 multiple choice |
| Pass mark | 40 correct (80%) |
| Retest after a fail | 7 days |
| Vision standard | 20/50, with or without corrective lenses |
| Written languages | English plus 12 others, with oral tests in English and Spanish |
Which permit to get and how to book: the New Jersey MVC knowledge test and permit guide.
Signs, signals and markings
1. A white rectangular sign with black lettering is usually:
- A. A warning sign
- B. A regulatory sign, such as a speed limit
- C. A guide sign to a city
- D. A construction sign
Answer: B. White rectangles state rules you must obey. Manual topic: traffic signs.
2. A five-sided sign warns of:
- A. A school zone or school crossing
- B. A railroad
- C. A no-passing zone
- D. A hospital
Answer: A. The pentagon is the school sign shape. Manual topic: traffic signs.
3. Unless a sign says otherwise, a right turn on red in New Jersey is allowed:
- A. Without stopping if the road is clear
- B. Only with a green arrow
- C. Only outside cities
- D. After a full stop, yielding to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians
Answer: D. N.J.S.A. 39:4-115. Scan for bicycles and mopeds, which may have a green light. Manual topic: turning regulations.
4. A sign reading NO TURN ON RED means:
- A. Turn right on red after slowing
- B. Wait for the green signal before turning
- C. Turns are banned at all times
- D. Only trucks may turn on red
Answer: B. Wait for green, even if the road looks clear. Manual topic: turning regulations.
5. A flashing yellow signal means:
- A. Stop and wait
- B. The signal is broken, so treat it as green
- C. Slow down and proceed with caution
- D. Pedestrians only
Answer: C. Slow down and watch for cross traffic. Manual topic: traffic signals.
6. A single white line across your lane at an intersection shows:
- A. Where to stop for a sign or signal
- B. A bike lane
- C. A passing zone
- D. A bus stop
Answer: A. Stop lines show where to stop at stop signs or signals. Manual topic: pavement markings.
7. Two solid yellow center lines mean:
- A. Passing is allowed in both directions
- B. A one-way street
- C. A center turn lane
- D. No passing in either direction
Answer: D. Neither side may cross to pass. Manual topic: pavement markings.
8. Crossbuck signs mark:
- A. A railroad crossing
- B. A four-way stop
- C. A fire station
- D. A closed lane
Answer: A. The X-shaped sign is at the crossing itself. Manual topic: railroad crossings.
Right of way, turns and intersections
9. Under New Jersey law, a driver must stop and stay stopped for:
- A. Pedestrians only at signals
- B. A pedestrian in a crosswalk or at an intersection
- C. Pedestrians who wave
- D. Pedestrians in marked crosswalks only
Answer: B. Crosswalks exist at all corners of intersections, marked or not, unless a sign prohibits crossing. Manual topic: sharing the road, pedestrians.
10. Before any turn, especially a right on red, the manual says you should:
- A. Watch only oncoming traffic
- B. Honk once
- C. Scan left, right and behind, check mirrors and blind spots, and look for cyclists and pedestrians
- D. Speed up through the turn
Answer: C. Many turning crashes happen because drivers watch only oncoming cars. Manual topic: safe driving rules.
11. Driving through a gas station or parking lot to avoid a red light in New Jersey is:
- A. A motor vehicle violation
- B. Legal if you slow down
- C. Legal at night
- D. Legal if no one is there
Answer: A. Driving on private property to avoid a signal or sign is a violation (N.J.S.A. 39:4-66.2). Manual topic: safe driving rules.
12. You are turning left at a green light with oncoming traffic. You must:
- A. Turn first because you signaled
- B. Yield to oncoming traffic and turn when there is a safe gap
- C. Flash your lights and go
- D. Wait for a red light
Answer: B. Left-turning drivers yield unless they have a green arrow. Manual topic: right of way.
13. In a traffic circle you should:
- A. Drive fast to match traffic
- B. Stop inside the circle
- C. Watch for entrance and exit signs and drive slowly, obeying the posted limit
- D. Always use the left lane
Answer: C. Follow the signs posted at that circle. Manual topic: traffic circles and roundabouts.
14. Two vehicles reach a four-way stop at the same time. Who goes first?
- A. The vehicle on the left
- B. The vehicle turning left
- C. The larger vehicle
- D. The vehicle on the right
Answer: D. The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. Manual topic: right of way.
Speed, space and stopping
15. Unless posted otherwise, what is the New Jersey limit in a school zone, business district or residential district?
- A. 20 mph
- B. 30 mph
- C. 25 mph
- D. 35 mph
Answer: C. 25 mph (N.J.S.A. 39:4-98). Manual topic: speed limits.
16. The New Jersey limit on a non-posted rural roadway is:
- A. 50 mph
- B. 45 mph
- C. 55 mph
- D. 65 mph
Answer: A. 35 mph in suburban business and residential districts, 50 mph on non-posted rural roads, and 55 or 65 mph where posted on certain highways. Manual topic: speed limits.
17. According to the manual’s stopping chart, about how far does a car travel before stopping from 50 mph, including reaction time?
- A. About 100 feet
- B. About 150 feet
- C. About 350 feet
- D. About 247 feet
Answer: D. 55 feet of reaction distance plus 192 feet of braking. Speed adds distance fast. Manual topic: driver responsibility, stopping.
18. After driving through deep water, you should:
- A. Test the brakes lightly to dry them out
- B. Speed up to shake off water
- C. Pump the brakes hard at speed
- D. Turn off the engine
Answer: A. Wet brakes may pull or fail; light braking dries them. Manual topic: braking.
19. In a car with anti-lock brakes (ABS), in an emergency stop you should:
- A. Pump the brake pedal
- B. Apply steady, firm pressure and do not pump
- C. Use the parking brake
- D. Jerk the steering wheel
Answer: B. Never pump ABS brakes or jerk the wheel. Manual topic: braking.
20. New Jersey law requires headlights whenever:
- A. You drive on a highway
- B. It is cloudy
- C. Your windshield wipers are in use
- D. You drive over 50 mph
Answer: C. Also from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise, and when visibility is 500 feet or less (N.J.S.A. 39:3-46). Manual topic: night driving.
21. You may not park within how many feet of a fire hydrant in New Jersey?
- A. 5 feet
- B. 10 feet
- C. 15 feet
- D. 25 feet
Answer: B. 10 feet. The manual also bans parking within 25 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection and within 50 feet of a stop sign or railroad crossing. Manual topic: parking.
Sharing the road
22. When a school bus stops with flashing red lights on a two-lane road, how far away must you stop?
- A. At least 10 feet
- B. At least 15 feet
- C. At least 50 feet
- D. At least 25 feet
Answer: D. Drivers behind or approaching the bus stop at least 25 feet away and go only when the signals are off. Manual topic: sharing the road, school buses.
23. A school bus has stopped directly in front of a school to drop off children. You may:
- A. Pass from either direction at no more than 10 mph
- B. Pass at 25 mph
- C. Never pass
- D. Pass only on the right
Answer: A. This 10 mph rule is specific to buses stopped in front of a school. Manual topic: school buses.
24. On a dual-lane highway, the school bus is on the other side of a safety island or raised median. The manual says you should:
- A. Stop 25 feet away
- B. Speed up
- C. Slow to 10 mph
- D. Stop until a police officer waves you on
Answer: C. Slow to 10 mph and watch for children. Manual topic: school buses.
25. New Jersey’s Move Over law requires you to change lanes, if safe, when approaching a stationary vehicle showing flashing lights such as:
- A. Only police cars
- B. Only ambulances
- C. Only cars on fire
- D. Emergency vehicles, tow trucks, highway maintenance and other emergency service vehicles
Answer: D. If you cannot change lanes safely, slow down. See move over laws in the US. Manual topic: Move Over law.
26. After you yield to an emergency vehicle using its siren and lights, how far behind it should you stay?
- A. 50 feet
- B. At least 300 feet
- C. 100 feet
- D. Any distance
Answer: B. Stay at least 300 feet back. Never park within 200 feet of a fire department vehicle in service, or drive over a fire hose unless told to. Manual topic: emergency vehicles.
27. Your car breaks down on a highway. The manual says to:
- A. Stand behind the car to wave traffic around
- B. Leave it in the lane
- C. Pull onto the shoulder or median, turn on flashers, raise the hood and stay inside with your belt on and doors locked
- D. Accept a ride from anyone who stops
Answer: C. Use a phone to call for help if you have one. Manual topic: disabled vehicles.
Alcohol, drugs and implied consent
28. In New Jersey, it is illegal for a driver under 21 to drive with a BAC of:
- A. 0.01% or higher
- B. 0.05% or higher
- C. 0.08% or higher only
- D. 0.02% or higher
Answer: A. N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.14. The adult limit is 0.08%. Manual topic: drinking and driving.
29. Under New Jersey’s implied consent law, refusing a breath test after an arrest for intoxicated driving:
- A. Is your legal right with no penalty
- B. Is illegal, with penalties including loss of driving privileges, an IDRC referral, fines and an ignition interlock
- C. Only delays the case
- D. Brings a warning
Answer: B. Refusal also brings an MVC surcharge, and unpaid surcharges mean indefinite suspension. Manual topic: breath test.
30. According to the manual, at a BAC of slightly above 0.05% the risk of causing a crash:
- A. Stays the same
- B. Falls
- C. Doubles
- D. Rises only for new drivers
Answer: C. It is six times as great at 0.10% and 25 times at 0.15%. Manual topic: drinking and driving.
31. New Jersey’s impaired driving law covers driving under the influence of:
- A. Intoxicating liquor and narcotic, hallucinogenic or habit-producing drugs
- B. Only alcohol
- C. Only illegal drugs
- D. Only alcohol above 0.10%
Answer: A. N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 covers drugs as well as alcohol. Manual topic: drinking, drugs and health.
New Jersey GDL, decals and points
32. An examination permit holder must be supervised in the front seat by a driver who is:
- A. 18 or older with any license
- B. A parent only
- C. Any licensed driver
- D. At least 21, holds a valid New Jersey license and has at least 3 years’ driving experience
Answer: D. The same applies to special learner permits. Manual topic: GDL permit restrictions.
33. A New Jersey permit holder under 21 may not drive between:
- A. 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- B. 11:01 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
- C. Midnight and 5 a.m.
- D. 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
Answer: B. The same curfew applies on a probationary license under 21, with only work or religious exemption letters. Manual topic: GDL restrictions.
34. Which phone use is allowed for a New Jersey permit or probationary driver under 21?
- A. Hands-free calls
- B. Texting at red lights
- C. None: hand-held and hands-free phones and other electronic devices are banned
- D. GPS calls only
Answer: C. Set any navigation before you drive. Manual topic: GDL restrictions.
35. How many passengers may a probationary driver under 21 carry without a parent or guardian in the car?
- A. Their dependents plus one other person
- B. None
- C. Three
- D. Any number of siblings
Answer: A. A dependent is the driver’s own child, not a brother or sister. See New Jersey probationary license rules. Manual topic: GDL restrictions.
36. Where do GDL decals go?
- A. On the windshield
- B. On the rear bumper only
- C. Inside the back window
- D. On the top left corner of the front and rear license plates of any vehicle you drive
Answer: D. Every permit and probationary driver under 21 needs them. A pair costs $4 (as of November 2026). Manual topic: GDL decals.
37. If your New Jersey permit was issued on or after February 1, 2025 and you are under 21, how much supervised driving must you certify?
- A. 30 hours
- B. 50 hours, including 10 in darkness
- C. 65 hours
- D. None
Answer: B. Certified on form BA-CSD. See the New Jersey 50-hour rule. Manual topic: GDL.
38. A new driver in the two-year probationary period is convicted of two moving violations totaling 4 or more points. What happens?
- A. Nothing
- B. An automatic 2-year ban
- C. They must complete the Probationary Driver Program
- D. A $10 fine
Answer: C. The two-year period starts with the permit (N.J.A.C. 13:20-17.6). Manual topic: driver privileges and penalties.
39. Breaking a GDL restriction in New Jersey can mean:
- A. A $100 fine or suspension of your driving privilege
- B. A warning only
- C. Points only
- D. Nothing if you are 17
Answer: A. The manual lists a $100 fine or suspension. Manual topic: GDL.
Emergencies
40. A crash is about to happen and you cannot avoid hitting something. The manual advises you to:
- A. Hit the object head-on to stop quickly
- B. Try to make it a glancing blow, and never hit anything head-on
- C. Take your hands off the wheel
- D. Speed up
Answer: B. Every inch you steer away from a head-on impact reduces the crash energy. Manual topic: defensive driving, crashes.
Your score on the 80% standard
| Correct out of 40 | What it means |
|---|---|
| 36 to 40 | Ready for the 50-question test |
| 32 to 35 | Around the 80% pass line. Review every miss. |
| Under 32 | Below 80%. Reread the manual, GDL chapter first. |
The real test has 10 more questions than this set, so a strong score here should carry over. The MVC also publishes a sample test on its website.
Common questions
Are these the real New Jersey MVC questions?
No. They are original, unofficial practice questions written from the 2026 New Jersey Driver Manual.
How many questions can I miss on the NJ permit test?
10. You need 40 of 50 correct.
How long do I wait if I fail?
7 days before you can retest.
Which topics are most New Jersey specific?
GDL curfew, passengers and decals; the 25-foot school bus rule and the 10 mph rule in front of schools; 0.01% for under-21s; default speed limits; and the Probationary Driver Program.
Can I take the NJ knowledge test in another language?
Yes. It is offered in English and 12 other written languages, with oral tests in English and Spanish.
Where are practice tests for other states?
See US permit practice tests. The full route is in learning to drive in New Jersey.
Sources
- New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, “New Jersey Driver Manual” (2026 edition) (nj.gov)
- New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, “Knowledge Test” (nj.gov)
- New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, “Young Adult Drivers” (nj.gov)
- New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, “Certification of Supervised Driving, BA-CSD” (nj.gov)